The romance of modern Paris is often associated with certain French singers during or following the Second World War. Songs of that era evoke the Old World with atmospheres of smoky cafés, quaint apartments, cobblestone streets, but above all a nostalgia for things past and love stories tainted with melancholia.
The Paris of today has since changed much of course, but the same romance still holds in many places or in people’s imagination. There are legions of artists who contributed to the indelible cultural stamp that is la chanson française (the french song), but few have maintained their status as icons over the decades.
Yves Montand
Arguably the most famous of all french songs, ‘La Vie en Rose’ is one of the many jewels created by Edith Piaf. After being discovered as a talent in the streets of Paris. An excellent film ‘La Vie En Rose’ inspired by her short and tragic life was released in 2007.
Born in Italy, Yves Montand was discovered in Paris by Edith Piaf. He rapidly reached international fame thanks to his talents as a singer, his charm and stage presence. Also renowned as an actor, he has contributed to some of the most important movie classics such as ‘Wages of Fear’ and ‘Jean de Florette’. Listen to his hymn to Paris in the video below.
One of the most provocative French artists, Serge Gainsbourg embodies controversy, both in his art and through his personal life. His songs contain recurrent sexual and politically incorrect themes, often subtly disguised through elegant language devices. Here is a clip of his song ‘Bonnie & Clyde’ with the French superstar of the time, Brigitte Bardot.
Unlike more flamboyant personalities of the French music scene, Georges Brassens
Georges Brassens
captured the souls of his audience with a quiet but finely crafted, exquisite poetry delivered with a subdued intensity through his guitar and a warm, inimitable voice.
One of the rare icons of French popular music still alive today, Charles Aznavour was born in Paris from a family of artists in exile to the United States. Against many odds and setbacks, his persona and artistry inscribed themselves in the psyche of the French population and beyond.
Less known internationally, Jacques Brel is considered by many the greatest artist of French popular music. The supreme poetic craft channelled through an ecstatic voice ignited the passions of its public. Here is a powerful live performance of his song ‘Amsterdam’.
